What is a Campus Security Authority?

A Campus Security Authority (CSA) is a term used by the Department of Education and in the Clery Act to describe someone who is an official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, or who manages or otherwise oversees student and campus activities including, but not limited to, student housing, a student center or student extra-curricular activities. Examples of campus constituents who are included in this broad definition are:

  • coaches and trainers of athletic teams

  • advisors to campus student organizations

  • staff responsible for student discipline and campus judicial staff

  • individuals who have responsibility for campus security but who do not constitute a campus police department or a campus security department, such as an individual who is responsible for monitoring entrance into institutional property. (desk receptionists, rec center monitors)

Crime Reporting

To comply with the Clery Act federal requirements, Campus Security Authorities must immediately fill out a Campus Security Authority Incident Report Form in accordance with the following guidelines:

  • A crime is considered "reportable" when it is brought to your attention. Third-party reports of crimes are Clery-reportable. If the information is provided in good faith (not rumor or hearsay), please report the incident as soon as possible.

  • KU affiliation of the victim or the reporting party is not required for the crime to be reported and counted as a Clery statistic. If a crime is reported to you, you must complete the CSA Incident Report Form and submit it the KUPD/Public Safety.

  • The victim or reporting party is not required to contact law enforcement authorities and no further investigation is necessary by Campus Security Authorities or law enforcement.

  • Always include the type of crime and the location. This information is required for Clery compliance and is key in determining if a crime is reportable as a Clery statistic.

For more information, please contact KU Public Safety at 610-683-4002.